Rally crash millionaire on trial

THE trial of a Cheshire millionaire accused of causing the deaths of an elderly couple in a crash during the Gumball Rally is due to begin in Macedonia tomorrow. Property developer Nicholas Morley, 30, from Bowdon, near Altrincham, has been charged with 'endangering traffic leading to death'.

THE trial of a Cheshire millionaire accused of causing the deaths of an elderly couple in a crash during the Gumball Rally is due to begin in Macedonia tomorrow.

Property developer Nicholas Morley, 30, from Bowdon, near Altrincham, has been charged with 'endangering traffic leading to death'.

It is understood Mr Morley could face four years in prison if he is found guilty by the court in Struga, near the Albanian border.

Elderly Macedonian couple Vladimir Chepunjoski, 67, and his wife Margarita died after the tycoon's Porsche was involved in a collision with their VW Golf as he took part in the Gumball 3000 Rally on May 4.

He and co-driver Matthew McConville, 36, from Prestwich, were initially released without charge before Mr Morley was re-arrested and remanded. Mr McConville has now returned home and the Gumball Rally has been abandoned.

Mr Morley has been held in custody while awaiting trial.

Compensation

Meanwhile, lawyers acting for the family of the dead couple are reported to be demanding £100,000 compensation from Mr Morley.

They say they will also sue the state of Macedonia for allowing the race to take place.

Mr Morley was driving the Porsche when the accident happened.

His Manchester-based solicitors Pannone and Partners have denied claims that he and Mr McConville left the scene of the accident, saying they waited for ambulance crews and reported the crash to police.

This year's Gumball Rally was from London to Istanbul and back.

For almost a decade the Gumball 3000 Rally has been a draw for the rich and famous, who speed through Europe in high-powered cars by day and enjoy lavish parties by night.